University Challenge 2013-14: Round 1: Match 1: Aberdeen vs Queen's

Good evening all, from Ayrshire. It's so good to have University Challenge back after all these weeks. The last series was enjoyable, even if it petered out somewhat towards the end. Let's hope for a good series to follow on.

The obvious first thing to talk about: the new set. I actually like it a bit better now than I did in the Christmas specials. It is a little bit plain compared to what we're used to, but that's only minor. I'm sure, by the end of the year, we'll all be OK with it. The new titles, on the other hand, still not sure about.

Anyway, we began the series with a Celtic clash between Aberdeen and Queen's University Belfast.

Aberdeen were with us last year, where they lost to Warwick in the first round. Alumni include Alistair Darling and James Naughtie, and numerous friends of mine. They were:
Jonathan Bee, from Aberdeen, studying Geography
Ananyo Bagchi, from Calcutta, sudying Medicine
Captain: Ben Conway, from Witney, studying Philosophy
Benedict Jones-Williams, from Peebles, studying English Literature

Queen's University Belfast were last with us two years ago, where they lost to Newcastle in the first round. Almuni include the former Irish president Mary MacAleese, and Seamus Heaney. They were:
Suzanne Cobain, from County Down, studying History
Gareth Gamble, from Lurgan in County Armagh, studying Medicine
Captain: Joseph Greenwood, from Manchester, studying Irish Theatre
Alexander Green, from Lytham in Lancashire, stuyding Plasma Physics

Off we went then, with the first two starters being answered correctly, but just one bonus went with them. Indeed, by the time of the first picture round, on cocktails and their ingredients, that one bonus remained the only one answered correctly. Queen's led by 25-20.

Momentum then shifted briefly in Aberdeen's favour, but only just, as both sides were struggling with bonuses. Aberdeen managed two of their bonuses, including one on a set on traditional English deserts, their answer to one of which amused Paxo greatly!

The music round was on classical pieces incorporated into rock versions. The starter was dropped, and, when Queen's picked up the bonuses, they annoyed Paxo by getting a rather easy one wrong! Aberdeen now led by 55-40. Still anyone's game, and the teams remaining very much in touch throughout the third phase.

The second picture round, on British bridges, gave us our first great comedy moment of the series, when Aberdeen answered one bonus with 'the Bridge on the River Kwai'! "Very funny", remarked Paxo sarcastically! Aberdeen still led by 85-60.

But Queen's weren't done yet, and began one big final push. Aberdeen reached three figures first, but Queen's now had the momentum, and quickly overtook them and spent the final minutes pulling out a lead.

The final score was a win for Queen's by 140-105. But a good close match it was, even if low scoring, and it's a shame that we probably won't be seeing Aberdeen again, as they were a good fun team. Messrs Bee, Conway and Jones-Williams all got two starters each, and the side managed 7 bonuses out of 21. By comparison, Joseph Greenwood got seven starters for Queen's, and the side successfully answered 9 bonuses out of 30 (with one penalty).

Good to have the show back. Lets hope things can pick up soon.

Next week's match: St John's College Cambridge vs Reading

As for Only Connect, another good close match tonight. A fuller review will follow on Thursday.